Automatic starting system for internal combustion engines including throttle control means

ABSTRACT

An automatic system for starting an internal combustion engine, characterized by the provision of normally deenergized solenoid means operable to actuate the throttle means to prime the engine, first circuit means operable to energize the solenoid means to prime the engine prior to the starting thereof, second circuit means operable to energize both the starter motor and the solenoid to prime the engine during starting, and timer means for alternatively activating said first and second circuit means in succession, respectively. In accordance with the invention, a pair of periodically operable switches are connected in said first and second circuit means, respectively, one of said periodic switches being driven by rotary motor means, such as a spring driven rotor, and the other being driven by the distributor rotor.

United States Patent [111 3,562,542

[72] inventor Frank A- R dm n 2,975,296 3/1961 Dominguez-Rego 290/38X R.F.D.04 Overlook Hills, Wintersville, 3,357,417 12/ 1 967 Baumann 290/38X [2] 1 pp No 353 3 3 Primary Examiner-G. R. Simmons i r Filed g 1969 Attorney Lawrence E. Laubscher Patented Feb. 9, 1971 [54] AUTOMATIC STARTING SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL ABSTRACT: An automatic system for starting an internal COMBUSTIQN ENGINES NCLUDING THROTTLE combustion engine, characterized by the provision of nor- CONTROL MEANS mally deenergized solenoid means operable to actuate the 14 Claims 1 Drawing Fig throttle means to prime the engine, first circuit means operable to energize the solenoid means to prime the engine prior to Cl the starting thereof, second circuit means operable to energize 2 7; 12 both the starter motor and the solenoid to prime the engine [51] lnLCl F02n 11/08 during starting, and timer means for alternatively activating Field of Search 290/37, 38; aid first and econd circuit means in succession, respectively 123/1 79 g in accordance with the invention, a pair of periodically operable switches are connected in said first and second circuit [56] References means, respectively, one of said periodic switches being driven UNITED STATES PATENTS by rotary motor means, such as a spring driven rotor, and the 2,748,759 6/1965 Schiffer 290/38X other being driven by the distributor rotor.

; /-J/ 42 n "K filgnilion Switch A j ccessories {A 9 LAccessorles i i I Start 6 t [I] i l i? e w I 7 Gear Lever A Q t S I s Centrifugal r er oeno' Switch T "We Timer Energizing Switch AUTOMATIC STARTING SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES INCLUDING THROTTLE CONTROL MEANS ln the patented prior art-as evidenced by the patents to Ives, U.S. Pat. No. 3,151,249, and Fenner, U.S. Pat, No. 3,220,397, for example-various automatic systems have been proposed for starting an internal combustion engine. One problem inherent to the known prior systems is that of properly and accurately priming the engine both during the time prior to the starting of the engine, and during the actual starting time when the engine is being driven by the starter motor to effect ignition. The priming of the engine is further complicated in that for efficient starting of the engine, it is desirable in certain instances to initially prime the engine a given number of times and at one rate prior to the initiation of engine starting, and to prime the engine at a different rate during the engine driving period. The present invention was developed to avoid the above and other drawbacks of the prior starting systems, and to provide a more positive, reliable starting system of relatively inexpensive, simple construction.

. The primary object of the present invention is to provide an automatic engine starting system including first circuit means for energizing a solenoid to prime the engine prior to starting of the engine, and second circuit means for both energizing the starter motor and for energizing the solenoid to prime the engine during starting. Each of the first and second circuit means includes a periodic switch one being operable at one given rate to effect periodic priming of the engine prior to starting, and the other being driven by the distributor rotor to prime the engine as a function of the rate at which it is being driven by the starter motor.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide an automatic starting system of the type described above, including disabling switch means connected in series in said first and second circuit means, and timer operated means for initially enabling said first circuit means and for disabling said second circuit means, and for subsequently disabling said second circuit means and for enabling said second circuit means. In accordance with a further feature of the invention, vacuum switch means are provided for returning the disabling switch means to its initial condition when the engine has started to produce a vacuum in the intake manifold.

in accordance with a further object of the invention, the starting system includes another switch operable by the timer means subsequent to the successive alternative actuation of said first and second circuits, said third timer switch being operable to deenergize the starter motor in the event that the engine does not start within a given period of time.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification when viewed in the light of the accompanying single FIG. of drawing, which is an electrical schematic diagram of the internal combustion engine automatic starting system.

Referring to the drawing, the staringsystem includes a normally deenergized starter motor 2 adapted to be energized from a DC voltage source 4 via the normally open switch 6 that is operable to the closed position by starter solenoid 7. The starter motor is adapted to drive a conventional internal combustion engine 10 having distributor means 12 including a rotor, and throttle means 14 for operating a carburetor accelerator pump to supply a charge of fuel to the engine.

in accordance with the present invention, normally deenergized solenoid means 48 are provided for operating the throttle means 14 to prime the engine, normally deactivated first circuit means being provided for periodically energizing the solenoid to prime the engine prior to energization of the starter motor 2, and normally deactivated second circuit means being provided for simultaneously energizing the starter motor 2 and for periodically energizing the solenoid 48, whereby the engine is primed during starting.

The first circuit means includes the source 4, gear lever switch 18 (which is closed only when the gear lever is in the PARK or NEUTRAL positions), normally open switch 30,

two-position vacuum switch 40 (which is normally in the illustrated initial position), normally closed switch 50, solenoid 48, normally closed enabling switch 52, and normally open switch 46. The second circuit means includes source 4, normally open switch 6, junction 9, normally open switch 34, diode 35, solenoid 48, normally open disabling switch 58, and normally open switch 62. Switch 62 is mounted on the spark advance means and is adapted to be periodically closed by the rotor of distributor means 12, and switch 46 is adapted to be periodically closed by the rotary cam means 44 which is rotatably biased by helical spring 45. The cam means is normally locked against rotation by the cooperation between axially retractable stop plunger 37 and an axial pin 44a on the cam means.

The first and second circuit means are alternatively activated, in succession, by conventional timer means 22 that are energized from source 4 via switch 18, junction 19, and normally open key-operated timer-energizing switch 20. The timer means is operable to successively close normally open switches 24, 26 and 28, respectively.

Upon closure of switch 24, solenoid 28 is energized to close mechanically connected switches 30, 32 and 34. ln addition to the activation of the first circuit means as described above, closure of switch 30 causes energization of solenoid 36 via junction 31 and two-position switch 38 (which is normally in its illustrated initial position), whereby stop plunger 37 is retracted to release cam means 44 for rotation by spring 45, whereupon switch 46 is periodicallyclosed by cam lobes 44b. Closure of switch 32 establishes a bypass path in parallel with conventional ignition switch 42 (having a normal OFF position, a START position for energizing the starter solenoid 7, a RUN position for connecting the distributor means 12 with the source, and an ACCESSORIES position for energizing the accessories associated with the engine), said bypass path including switch 18 and junction 19. Closing of switch 34 partially enables the second circuit means, the switches 6, 58, and 62 of which still remain in the open position.

After a selected period of time, switch 26 is closed by timer means 22, whereby disabling switchsolenoid 56 is energized from source 4 via switches 18, 30, 40 and 26. Upon energization of solenoid 56, which 58 is closed to partially enable the second circuit means, switches 50 and 52 are opened to disable the first circuit means, and switch 38 is shifted to its second position to deenergize solenoid 36, and to energize starter solenoid 7 via switch 27 and normally closed centrifugal safety switch 8. Upon closure of switch 6, starter motor 2 is energized, via junction 9, to drive the engine 10 and the rotor of distributor l2, whereupon switch 62 is periodically closed to periodically energize throttle solenoid 48 via switch 34, diode 35, solenoid 48, switch 58 and switch 62. in this manner, the engine is primed during starting. Once the engine has been driven to normal starting speed and the engine is started to draw sufficient vacuum to operate vacuum switch 40, solenoid 56 is deenergized to open starter switch 6 and thereby deenergize the starter motor 2. Owing to thebypass path afiorded by switch 32, the distributor is energized to permit independent operation of the engine. if, at this time, the gear shift lever were to be displaced'to' the LOW, DRIVE or REVERSE positions, gear-lever switch 18 would open to deenergize the distributor means 12 and thereby stop the engine. in the event that the starter should overrun during starting (or if the bendix of the starter is actuated), centrifugal switch 8 opens to deenergize starter solenoid 7 and thereby open switch 6 to deenergize the starter motor 2.

After a given period of time, switch 24 is opened by timer means 22, whereupon solenoid 28 is deenergized to open switches 30, 32, and 34, the first and second circuit means are deactivated, the distributor means and starter motor are deenergized, and the engine is at rest.

OPERATlON Assume that the timer means 22 is of conventional construction (mechanical or electrical) affording a selected timing interval (up to, for example, 24 hours). Set only when key switch 20 is in the open position. Assume also that the timing means maintains switch 24 closed for a period of minutes, and that switch 26 closes after a maximum selected delay period of 15 seconds after closure of the switch 24. Assume further that cam means 44 has a -second operational duty, and that the vacuum switch operates at about 7-pounds vacuum.

Upon closure of key switch 20 to energize the automatic staring system, switch 24 is closed at the selected activation time to initiate the starting cycle. Solenoid 28 is energized to close switches 30, 32 and 34, whereupon solenoid 36 is energized to retract stop plunger 37, and cam means 44 rotates to periodically close 46 and the initial priming rate determined by the speed of rotation of cam 44 and the time setting on contact 26, and thereby energize solenoid 48 to periodically prime the engine prior to starting. After the maximum 15- second delay period, switch 26 is closed to energize solenoid 56 to disable the first circuit means including switch 46, and to simultaneously enable the second circuit means including the distributor-operated switch 62 and to energize the starter motor 2 via switch 6, whereby the engine is primed during starting at a rate that is a function of the speed of rotation of the distributor rotor.

In the event that the engine is not started within a given period of time, switch 27 is opened by the timer to deenergize starter solenoid 7 and, consequently, to deenergize starter motor 2. On the other hand, upon successful starting of the engine, centrifugal switch opens the energizing circuit of solenoid 7, whereby starter motor 2 is deenergized. Following starting, the engine vacuum increases to 7 pounds vacuum, whereupon switch 62 is opened by the spark advance means to open the circuit to solenoid 48, and switch 40 is operable to deenergize switch 26, solenoid 56, and switch 38, whereby solenoid 36 is deenergized, and cam means 44 is maintained in the locked condition.

At the end of the activation period of the starter system, switch 24 is opened by timer means 22, whereupon solenoid 28 is deenergized and switches 30, 32 and 34 open to deactivate the system.

it is apparent that the engine will be positively started whether it is in perfect tune or not. The starting operation can be set to prime in any amount desired by the owner. Should priming not be required, the throttle can be actuated one time for setting the choke. Finally, in the event that the engine needs fuel after it starts turning, the rotor-operated switch 62 mounted on the spark advance means effects operation of the throttle means to provide preset. The rotor operation may be set to hold the throttle open, or to pump a given number of times until start. Flooding is positively precluded as a consequence of the improved priming control afforded by the present invention.

lclaim:

1. In an internal combustion engine automatic starting system including normally deenergized starter motor means for driving the engine during starting, and throttle means for supplying fuel to the engine, the improvement which comprises: g

normally deenergized firstsolenoid means (48) for operating said throttle means to prime the engine;

normally deactivated first circuit means operable when said starter motor means is deenergized to periodically energize said solenoid means, whereby the engine is primed prior to starting;

normally deactivated second circuit means operable to energize said starter motor means and to periodically energize said solenoid means, whereby the engine is primed during starting; and

means including a timer for alternatively activating said first and second circuit means in succession respectively.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for activating said first and second circuit means includes:

a normally closed first switch (52) connected in series with and normally enabling said first circuit means;

a normally open second switch (58) connected in series with and normally disabling said second circuit means;

means including a normally open third switch (6) operable to a closed position to energize said starter motor means; and

means including a second solenoid (56) operable by said timer means to open said first switch to disable said first circuit means, to close said second switch to enable said second circuit means, and to close said third switch to energize said starter motor.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein:

said first circuit means includes normally open fourth (30) and normally open fifth (46) switches connected in series with said first switch (52); and

means operable by said timer meansfor closing said fourth switch and for periodically closing said fifth switch to periodically energize said first solenoid means.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said means for closing said fourth switch (30) includes a normally deenergized third solenoid (28), and means including a normally open sixth switch (24) operable by said timer to energize said third solenoid to close said fourth switch.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for periodically closing said fifth switch (46) comprises rotatably driven cam means (44), stop means (37) normally preventing rotation of said cam means, and fourth solenoid means (36) operable by said fourth switch (30) for retracting said stop means to permit rotation of said cam means.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said second circuit means includes normally open seventh (34) and eighth (62) switches connected in series to define a network branch in parallel with said starter motor means, said seventh (34) switch being operable to the closed position simultaneously with said fourth switch.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein:

said internal combustion engine system includes also normally deenergized distributor means including a rotor, and ignition switch means including a normal OFF position. A START position for energizing said starter motor and further wherein said second circuit means includes a normally open ninth switch (32) operable to establish a bypass path in parallel with said ignition switch means for energizing said distributor means, said ninth switch being operable simultaneously with said fourth and seventh switches; and

means mounting said eighth switch on the spark advance means the distributor for operation by said distributor r0- tor, whereby upon disabling of said first circuit means and enabling of said second circuit means, said starter motor is energized to drive said engine and said distributor means, thereby periodically closing said eighth switch.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7, and further wherein said means including said second solenoid for disabling and enabling said first and second circuits, respectively, includes a normally open 10th switch (26) operable to a closed position by said timer means for energizing said second solenoid, said 10th switch being closed by said timer means a given time after the closure of said sixth switch.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said means for closing said third switch (6) includes a normally deenergized fifth solenoid (7), and means including a normally open 1 lth switch (38) for energizing said fifth solenoid, said I lth switch being connected with said first and second switches for operation to the closed position upon energization of said second solenoid.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, and further including a normally closed 12th switch (27 connected in series with said 1 1th switch, said 12th switch being operable by said timer means to deenergize said fifth solenoid a given period of time after the closure of said 10th switch (26).

ll. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein:

said first (52) and fifth (46) switches are connected in series, and further wherein said second (58) and eighth (62) are connected in a series branch in parallel with the series branch including said first and fifth switches; and further wherein said first circuit means includes a normally closed 13th switch (50) connected in series with said fourth switch and operable to the open position upon energization of said second solenoid means. 12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11, and further including a unidirectionally conductive device (35) connected in said second circuit means in series with said seventh switch 13. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said timer means is normally deactivated, and means including a normally open gear-lever switch and a normally open timer-energizing switch for activating said timer means.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said llth switch (38) comprises a two-position switch the normally closed contacts of which are connected in series with said fourth solenoid means (36), and further including a normally closed 14th switch (40) adapted for operation by the engine vacuum upon starting of the engine to deenergize said 10th (26), l 1th (38) and 13th (50) switches. 

1. In an internal combustion engine automatic starting system including normally deenergized starter motor means for driving the engine during starting, and throttle means for supplying fuel to the engine, the improvement which comprises: normally deenergized first solenoid means (48) for operating said throttle means to prime the engine; normally deactivated first circuit means operable when said starter motor means is deenergized to periodically energize said solenoid means, whereby the engine is primed prior to starting; normally deactivated second circuit means operable to energize said starter motor means and to periodically energize said solenoid means, whereby the engine is primed during starting; and means including a timer for alternatively activating said first and second circuit means in succession respectively.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for activating said first and second circuit means includes: a normally closed first switch (52) connected in series with and normally enabling said first circuit means; a normally open second switch (58) connected in series with and normally disabling said second circuit means; means including a normally open third switch (6) operable to a closed position to energize said starter motor means; and means including a second solenoid (56) operable by said timer means to open said first switch to disable said first circuit means, to close said second switch to enable said second circuit means, and to close said third switch to energize said starter motor.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein: said first circuit means includes normally open fourth (30) and normally open fifth (46) switches connected in series with said first switch (52); and means operable by said timer means for closing said fourth switch and for periodically closing said fifth switch to periodically energize said first solenoid means.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said means for closing said fourth switch (30) includes a normally deenergized third solenoid (28), and means including a normally open sixth switch (24) operable by said timer to energize said third solenoid to close said fourth switch.
 5. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for periodically closing said fifth switch (46) comprises rotatably driven cam means (44), stop means (37) normally preventing rotation of said cam means, and fourth solenoid means (36) operable by said fourth switch (30) for retracting said stop means to permit rotation of said cam means.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said second circuit means includes normally open seventh (34) and eighth (62) switches connected in series to define a network branch in parallel with said starter motor means, said seventh (34) switch being operable to the closed position simultaneously with said fourth switch.
 7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein: said internal combustion engine system includes also normally deenergized distributor means including a rotor, and ignition switch means including a normal OFF position. A START position for energizing said starter motor means, and a RUN position for energizing said distributor means; and further wherein said second ciRcuit means includes a normally open ninth switch (32) operable to establish a bypass path in parallel with said ignition switch means for energizing said distributor means, said ninth switch being operable simultaneously with said fourth and seventh switches; and means mounting said eighth switch on the spark advance means the distributor for operation by said distributor rotor, whereby upon disabling of said first circuit means and enabling of said second circuit means, said starter motor is energized to drive said engine and said distributor means, thereby periodically closing said eighth switch.
 8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7, and further wherein said means including said second solenoid for disabling and enabling said first and second circuits, respectively, includes a normally open 10th switch (26) operable to a closed position by said timer means for energizing said second solenoid, said 10th switch being closed by said timer means a given time after the closure of said sixth switch.
 9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said means for closing said third switch (6) includes a normally deenergized fifth solenoid (7), and means including a normally open 11th switch (38) for energizing said fifth solenoid, said 11th switch being connected with said first and second switches for operation to the closed position upon energization of said second solenoid.
 10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, and further including a normally closed 12th switch (27) connected in series with said 11th switch, said 12th switch being operable by said timer means to deenergize said fifth solenoid a given period of time after the closure of said 10th switch (26).
 11. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein: said first (52) and fifth (46) switches are connected in series, and further wherein said second (58) and eighth (62) are connected in a series branch in parallel with the series branch including said first and fifth switches; and further wherein said first circuit means includes a normally closed 13th switch (50) connected in series with said fourth switch and operable to the open position upon energization of said second solenoid means.
 12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11, and further including a unidirectionally conductive device (35) connected in said second circuit means in series with said seventh switch.
 13. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said timer means is normally deactivated, and means including a normally open gear-lever switch and a normally open timer-energizing switch for activating said timer means.
 14. Apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said 11th switch (38) comprises a two-position switch the normally closed contacts of which are connected in series with said fourth solenoid means (36), and further including a normally closed 14th switch (40) adapted for operation by the engine vacuum upon starting of the engine to deenergize said 10th (26), 11th (38) and 13th (50) switches. 